Step 1: Write Your Message

The most important part is to write a short and sweet message. Try to keep it to no more than 8 words or so unless you're really into using an X-acto blade for a while.

These instructions are for Adobe Illustrator, but there are other free vector programs, like Inkscape, that are worth trying as well.

So, first write your topical and romantic message in a big bold font. I chose Arial Black. Also, tighten up the kerning, the space between the letters. Overlapping is good.

Step 2: Convert to Outlines

Convert the letters to outlines so that they are just shapes and no longer editable as text.

Then ungroup the resulting mass and collect each word into its own group.

Step 3: Play with the words locartion and size

Draw a rectangle and start placing the words within it. The rectangle can be resized so aim for an arrangement where the phrase is still readable and many of the words are connecting. Watch out for islands (floating elements) and peninsulas (long pieces sticking on on their own).

If it's still not quite connecting or if there are gaps, don't panic. We have hearts on our side!

Step 4: Add the Love

Place some hearts to make the card more romantic and tie the different elements together. Islands can be saved and peninsulas secured with the hearts.

Step 5: One more rectangle

Now that the design is done, we need one more rectangle around everything. Make sure it's completely on the outside and then select it along with the inner rectangle.

Excellent. I used some different tools - CamBam and a laser controlled using Mach3 - but got a great result making a mother's day card for my wife. (My son is only 1 so he couldn't use the laser himself.) The only problem was that it was so good she thought it was from a shop!

I made one for my boyfriend! I just used microsoft word to print out the saying, then used an exacto knife to cut!! I used black construction paper to make a boarder (i wanted to use black ribbon but I didn't have enough).. Can't wait to give it to him!!

What a great instructable! I've wanted to learn how to make this type of card ever since I saw one 5 yrs ago in SF. Merci. I'm not experienced w/ Illustrator so I took a wack at it using MS Publisher. Here is my beta....I'll cut it out this weekend and post the results.

You can get a similar effect with pretty much any graphics program. Being able to break it up in a vector program gives you much more control. On the plus side, learning a vector program is a good thing anyway.

An exacto knife ain't gonna 'cut' it for this project, unless you want a mess. Especially if you decide to use regular paper for the print out and trace around it with construction paper underneath. Where do they have 75 watt Epilog laser cutters at?

I understand that "Gimp' will do vector drawings, I tried the program , it's pretty good and it's free. I believe the it's the newest version. Be prepared to work on learning the program it is not simple or easy to use at first.

good thinking . I use adobe almost exclusively now, I have Inkscape but don't use it often. and forget some of the perks that come with each program.. But the question was a (legal"cough"version) Both Inkscape and Gimp are free, That was my point. Check out the free software foundationsite for programs on about everything .